Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother went to be with The Lord on Sunday April 13th, 2025 at the age of 91 while resting peacefully at her home of 73 years on H street in Centralia, Washington with her loving daughter Marilyn at her side. She was the first borne of Johnny and Frances Matteson on July 13th 1933 at her grandmothers house in Centralia. At the age of four the Family bought a small farm house located on Salzer Valley Road where she was raised along with sisters Myrna, Evelyn and brother Larry. She graduated from Centralia H. S. in 1951 and was married to Richard Ponder on September 1, 1951. In the spring of 1952 the young couple bought their home on H street in Centralia where they raised their four kids, Susan (Beck), Marilyn (Gallagher), Andrew Ponder and Richard "Dickie" Ponder. Many family camping trips were made throughout the PNW and as far away as Yellowstone NP, Glacier NP and Banff NP Canada. Often the family would gather around the campfire and sing along to dad playing his ukulele. Her voice blended perfectly with dad's and the kids would join in and often times they were rewarded with muffled applause from other campers. After raising their four kids Dick and Carol made many road trips including New York City and many other historical sites in the New England region. Her and her husband were members of the Adna Do Si Dos and she was a long time member of the Salzer Valley Homemakers. She was taught the art of hand woven baskets by local Chehalis Tribe member Hazel Pete and is especially proud of her handcrafted baskets. She had a fantastic memory for family history on both sides and a remarkable recall on the smallest of details all the way up to her time of passing. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick Ponder, Son Dickie Ponder, grand children Alan Young and Matthew Ponder. She is survived by her siblings Myrna Boyse, Vancouver WA. Larry Matteson, Sterling, MA. Evelyn (Skip) Friese, Lebam WA. Children Sue Beck, Marilyn Gallagher, Andy (Darcy) Ponder all of Centralia. Grand children Julie (Dave) Pendleton, Amy (Aaron) Dunnagan, Jackie Ponder, Megan (Clyde) Berry, Jonathan Young, Jennifer Pertzborn and Angela (Chris) Gelder. Eleven great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. There will be a celebration of life on Saturday May 3rd beginning at 1:00 pm at the Fords Prairie Grange located at 2640 W Reynolds Ave, Centralia. Light refreshments will be provided